One thing we love about sports is the never-ending debates. There’s always something to argue about, whether the Federer–Nadal debate or the Messi-Ronaldo debate. The NBA is not left out in these debates, and with many quality players spread across various teams in the league, the competition is so fierce.
There have been many great players, both past and present in the history of the NBA. However, unlike new online casinos as found on Neuecasinos24.com etc., it is a bit easier to compare them. One of the lingering questions is, “Who is the greatest NBA player of all time?” While there’s no consensus yet as to who the greatest NBA player ever is, one of the names who always makes the debate is LeBron James. This article will look at why King James, as he is fondly called, is the greatest ever.
Why LeBron James Is The Greatest NBA Player Ever
The Ohio-born legend has been compared to many, both past and present. Born on the 30th of December, 1984, to a mother who was 16, LeBron grew up in poverty and without a father figure.
He fell in love with basketball at the age of nine after spending time with Frank Walker, a local youth coach. Since then, he has gone on to win four championships and MVP awards, scoring over 36,000 points in the process.
Here are five reasons he is the greatest NBA player of all time.
- His Stats Are Unbelievable
If Lebron James retires today, it will take a couple of years before anyone can match his stats. For starters, he is the only player in the history of the NBA to record over 30,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists. With total career points of 36638, he sits third on the all-time total points list and is barely two thousand points from topping the list.
Once defenders see LeBron James on the offense, they get scared. He is a bully and will do anything to get the required points and help his team win. He also has one of the highest shot conversion rates in the competition’s history.
- Influence On His Teams
Every NBA team has a player that is the team’s backbone – James is usually the one for most of his teams. This player’s skill, determination, and focus usually rub off his teammates and push them all to greater heights.
LeBron James has always been that player throughout his career. His influence became evident in 2010 after he left the Cleveland Cavaliers. A team that fought for championships the previous seasons became a mid-table team. After his departure, Cleveland went from their best NBA record of 66-16 to a measly 19-63.
- Excelled Against Stronger Oppositions
Even former great Mark Jackson had to admit that the NBA players of this era were more athletic and more skilled at handling, shooting, and defending.
Although the game has gotten less physical, it has become more complex and challenging. Despite this complexity, James has managed to dominate the game and has shown unmatched quality in all areas of the pitch.
- Consistency
Lebron James has been in the NBA for nearly two decades. In those 19 years, he has missed the playoffs twice, and they were the first two years of his career. Even at 37, LeBron is still bossing the NBA and has made it to six consecutive finals.
It’s more or less an unwritten rule in the NBA: if you have LeBron James on your team, then you are making it to the NBA playoffs.
- Versatility
If you’re a fan of the NBA, you must have heard this a thousand times -King James can play any position on the basketball court. It’s a fact that he can play five different positions with great success – the only modern-day NBA player that can boast of this feat.
Even his age, he is one of the fastest players in the NBA. He is also famed for his strength and agility. A remarkable athlete!
The Bottom Line
LeBron James is the only player in the history of the NBA to be ranked in the Top 100 for points, assists, rebounds, blocks, three-pointers, and steals. If these stats are not enough to make him the greatest, we wonder what will.